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Is Tall Green Milkweed toxic to cats?

Asclepias hirtella

Toxic to cats

Yes — tall green milkweed is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All Asclepias species, including A. hirtella, are listed as toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin. Narrow-leaved milkweed species particularly tend to produce neurotoxic symptoms (tremors, incoordination) in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia); cardiac effects are possible with larger doses.

What to do if your cat ate tall green milkweed

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move tall green milkweed out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of tall green milkweed to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten tall green milkweed, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is tall green milkweed toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tall green milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes — tall green milkweed is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Asclepias species, including A. hirtella, are listed as toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin. Narrow-leaved milkweed species particularly tend to produce neurotoxic symptoms (tremors, incoordination) in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia); cardiac effects are possible with larger doses.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tall green milkweed?

All Asclepias species, including A. hirtella, are listed as toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin. Narrow-leaved milkweed species particularly tend to produce neurotoxic symptoms (tremors, incoordination) in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia); cardiac effects are possible with larger doses. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to tall green milkweed.

What should I do if my cat ate tall green milkweed?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is tall green milkweed toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tall Green Milkweed is toxic to dogs as well. See the full tall green milkweed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tall green milkweed?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full tall green milkweed pet-safety